Fame

I was curious about the movie Fame. I was curious why someone felt it was necessary to make the movie again. With all the High School Musicals, Camp Rock, Glee and other incarnations, it was hardly a void that needed filled. When the original Fame came out in 1980, it created a sensation. It was so dynamic and inspirational, that high school students everywhere were breaking out in song and dance. A TV show soon followed and then a stage production. But why another film version, and why now?

I attended Fame (2009) with the expectation of seeing something new. Something to explain the need for a fresh take, but what I found was a well constructed film that was entertaining and full of talented young people. What I didn’t find was anything new. With theatre performers such as Bebe Neuwirth, Charles S. Dutton, Debbie Allen, Megan Mullally and Kelsey Grammer, there was a real weight, a respect for the craft of performing arts. But what the film lacked was electricity. With all the dance shows and talent shows on the air today, it would take a lot to blow us away.

The young performers in this film were good. They were talented, they were awesome. But for some reason the screen did not ignite. That spark never happened and no one performance really blazed. Now don’t get me wrong. This film is worth seeing. But I was hoping for something more. After this film I left the theatre smiling, but in 1980 I left the theatre signing and dancing. And that is all the difference in the world.

Rating: Second Run A respectful take of a previous sensation